“Memories of Gosman’s Dock” Brings Montauk’s Past to Life

Gosman’s Dock in Montauk is a jewel of the East End. Recently, it was sold by the Gosman family for a reported $34.35M. Some former employees decided to write a book titled Memories of Gosman’s Dock by “The Help.” On August 24, there was a reading and lively discussion at the Montauk Library. The goal was to both talk about the book with readings and then have an open discussion about the experiences former employees had working for the Gosmans over the years. The book is edited by Brian McKernan. Mr. McKernan is editor and publisher of the Parrville Press. He presided over the reading at the library and read from his chapter in the book. Accompanying him on the stage was iconic Montauk personality Debbie Tuma, a journalist for WLNG and the Montauk Sun. She also read some pages from her chapter in the book.

In the audience were notable Montauk residents such as Joan Lycke (who was also employed by the Gosmans years back), Tom Bogdan, the founder of Montauk’s “Rum Runner” shop, and even a few members of the Gosman family. The room was filled as many former employees fondly told their personal stories, prompting Brian McKernan to remark that they may end up in a volume two.

Memories of Gosman’s Dock by “The Help” is now available on Amazon. It is a pleasant way to channel back in time when Montauk was just a small fishing town and attracted blue-collar families to spend affordable vacations on this wonderful peninsula with shoreline beaches of Gardiner’s Bay, Block Island Sound, and the Atlantic Ocean. The beginning of the book documents in great detail how Rob and Mary Gosman and their six children turned a shack and gas pump dock into a noted destination for over 80 years. Their efforts no doubt are the reason the business sold for $34.35M. The book then pivots into a more behind-the-scenes collection of reminiscing former employees. Each chapter is in easily readable prose. They all tell their fondest tales of what they now, looking back, know were the best and most formative times of their lives.

The photos included in the book caught both my attention and imagination, as they take one back in time with every page. Touching is the photo of John and Bill McKernan as very young boys with their mother, with Gosman’s Roundhouse in the background, taken in October 1955! Also very cool are the photos showing the evolution and development of Gosmans’ property over the years.

Debbie Tuma’s chapter is chock-full of colorful remembrances, such as seeing her charter captain dad sail by in the evenings as she worked. Then there is the story of her night waitressing for John Lennon and Yoko Ono. Debbie was the quintessential local waitress who made her table’s guests feel at home. Her tales will make you chuckle, wince, and smile. Her touching stories tell of a time when Montauk was the year-round home of approximately 330 families, but a summer paradise to tens of thousands.

Bill, John, and Brian McKernan follow Debbie Tuma’s chapter, each with one of their own. The glowing details of being 16, washing dishes, scrubbing pots, or working as a waiter are timeless. They are written with affection, candor, wit, and sometimes a tongue-in-cheek tone. They describe in detail their journey working their way up the chain of employment, and with every word, the reader is right there with them, back in time when that summer job was everything. They mention celebrities and funny experiences with them. The enthusiasm on every page of this book is contagious. Their stories flow like a summer table full of buddies remembering the best moments of their best summer jobs, with the nightmares of those times now seeming all so funny.

The final chapter is penned by Christopher Walsh, who many may recall for his fabulous work writing for the East Hampton Star. He started bussing tables and washing dishes at Gosman’s in 1978. His brilliant chapter is a sample of his writing talents and storytelling abilities. He, too, has his John and Yoko story.

If you love the East End, specifically Montauk, or have had great times dining at Gosman’s over the years, this book is a must-read.